line officer

noun

1. a military or naval officer serving with combatant units or warships, as distinguished from a staff officer, supply officer, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of line officer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Additional training is now being rolled out to all front line officers, he says.

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The interim chief said he continues to fight the perception that “command officers get treated differently than our line officers.”

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But front line officers are leaving because of the mental health pressures they face.

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"The district attorney needs to explain why he is indicting line officers for following orders and why no protesters who became violent with police have been charged."

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The real change comes when police brass embrace the changes and make sure line officers understand their expectations, Scott said.

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